TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Board has issued orders to reinstate and appoint former chief priest Dr A V Ramana Deekshithulu, as an advisor of the Agama Advisory Board, on Tuesday.

As per the orders, he would offer advice and suggestions to the newly appointed archakas.His services will be also be used for various religious matters and rituals pertaining to the temple, by the TTD henceforth.

The TTD has also decided to reinstate his two sons and avail their services at Tirumala , and access to the main temple to four other priests.

It may be recollected that Ramana Deekshithulu had worked as the Chief Priest in the Srivari main temple for quite some time, before he was unceremoniously sacked last year during the TDP regime. In May last year, he alleged in a press meet that several hereditary precious jewels were missing from Tirumala and also made claims of financial irregularities in the TTD. Deekshithulu had even moved court, inviting a Rs 100 crore defamation suit from the TTD. Deekshithulu was sacked even as there was an ongoing controversy between the archakas, who hold tradition and hereditary appointments in high regard.

At that point of time when YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was the leader of the Opposition, reacted to the issue and promised that if he was elected to power, he would reinstate Rama Deekhsithulu in the Srivari Temple. And true to his word he has appointed him as an adviser to the Agama Advisory Board.

Fulfilling the long-pending demand of the priests in the State of Andhra Pradesh, the government issued a G.O. No 439, upholding the hereditary rights of Mirasidars,Archakas and other office holders and servants of religious and endowments institutions.

Also Read: Historic Decision By YS Jagan: Archakas Hereditary Rights Restored